What to Do If Your Yukon Landlord Skips the Move-Out Inspection

Moving out of a rental in Yukon? Under the territory’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, both tenants and landlords have important responsibilities when the tenancy ends—especially around inspections. Sometimes, a landlord may not carry out the usual move-out inspection. This can leave tenants wondering how to protect their rights and ensure their deposit is fairly handled. Below, we outline what to do if your landlord doesn’t show up for a move-out inspection in Yukon, what your rights are, and how to document your rental’s condition to protect yourself moving forward.

Understanding Move-Out Inspections in Yukon

In Yukon, the move-out inspection is a key step near the end of any tenancy. It helps determine if you’re responsible for any cleaning or damages beyond normal wear and tear. Both the tenant and landlord should be present, and a written condition report is required at both move-in and move-out.

• The main goal: Document the property's condition so security deposit returns and damage claims are handled fairly.
• You must be invited by your landlord to attend. If you can’t attend, your landlord can do the inspection alone, but must share the report with you promptly.

Problems can arise if the landlord doesn’t schedule or attend this important inspection—and this can impact your deposit.

What Happens If Your Landlord Doesn’t Do a Move-Out Inspection?

If your Yukon landlord fails to conduct the move-out inspection as required by law, you still have options:

• Document everything: Take dated photos and videos of the property immediately after you move out, focusing on the condition of walls, appliances, and any areas of possible dispute.
• Leave the unit clean and return all keys on time.
• Prepare a written record of the condition (your own inspection report) and send a copy to your landlord by email or registered mail.

If the landlord does not conduct the inspection or provide you with a condition report, the law is often on your side regarding deductions from your security deposit. Be sure to keep copies of all your documentation for your records.

Security Deposits: Protecting Your Money

The move-out inspection is directly linked to your right to receive your security or damage deposit back. By law, landlords in Yukon cannot keep your deposit without proper reason or documented evidence of damage beyond normal wear.

• If no inspection is completed and you’ve left the property in good condition, you have a strong case to demand your deposit’s return.
• If there’s any dispute, but no move-out inspection, you should formally request the return of your deposit, referencing your move-out documentation.

Learn the basics of how deposits work in Yukon by reading Understanding Rental Deposits: What Tenants Need to Know.

Forms and Official Steps for Yukon Tenants

If you and your landlord disagree about the return of your deposit after a missed move-out inspection, or if no inspection was offered, you can apply to the official dispute process in Yukon. Here’s what to do:

• Form: Application to the Director (Yukon). This is the main form to start a dispute with the Residential Tenancies Office if you believe you are owed your deposit. Download the official Application form here.
• When to use: Use this form if your landlord fails to return your deposit within 15 days of your tenancy ending and you suspect it’s due to lack of a proper move-out inspection.
• How to submit: Complete the form and submit it by mail, in person, or email to the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office. Include your copies of communications, photos, and your own inspection report.

Where to Get Help: Yukon’s Housing Tribunal

The authority handling rental disputes, including those about move-out inspections and deposits, is the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office. They process disputes and provide information on tenants’ and landlords’ rights. You can apply directly for resolution if you cannot reach an agreement with your landlord.

More Tips for a Smooth Move-Out in Yukon

• Give proper written notice before moving out. See How to Properly End Your Rental Agreement as a Tenant.
• Document all communications with your landlord.
• Consider reading The Final Inspection: What Tenants Need to Know Before Moving Out for tips on managing inspections and your responsibilities.

If you're planning your next move, Browse apartments for rent in Canada to find your new home on a trusted rental platform.

For a territory-specific overview of your rights as a renter, visit Tenant Rights and Landlord Rights in Yukon.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if my landlord doesn’t show up for the scheduled move-out inspection?
   If your landlord is absent, document the property’s condition yourself with photos, videos, and a written report. Send these to your landlord right away to establish the state of the rental when you left.
2. Can my landlord keep my security deposit if no move-out inspection happens?
   In most cases, if a move-out inspection isn’t completed and you left the unit in good repair, the landlord cannot deduct from your deposit except in special circumstances. If your deposit is withheld unfairly, you may apply to Yukon’s Residential Tenancies Office for resolution.
3. How soon should I get my security deposit back in Yukon?
   Landlords must return your deposit within 15 days after you move out unless there’s a legitimate damage claim. If there’s a delay, follow up promptly and contact the Residential Tenancies Office if necessary.
4. What forms should I use in Yukon if my deposit is withheld?
   Tenants should use the Application to the Director form to dispute deposit issues. Include your inspection documentation and any relevant evidence.
5. Where can I get more help about Yukon rental laws?
   Contact the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office for impartial information and support, or visit their official website for resources and contacts.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• If your landlord does not do a move-out inspection in Yukon, document your unit’s condition and communicate in writing.
• Your security deposit cannot be withheld unfairly due to a skipped inspection.
• Dispute forms and the Yukon Residential Tenancies Office are your paths for resolution.

Being proactive and keeping clear records helps protect your rights as a Yukon tenant.

Need Help? Resources for Tenants

• Yukon Residential Tenancies Office – Info, forms, and dispute resolution
• Email: residentialtenancies@gov.yk.ca | Phone: 867-667-5944 or toll-free 1-800-661-0408 ext. 5944
• Yukon Tenant Resources Page
• For general advocacy, consider contacting local legal clinics or the Yukon Legal Services Society

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1. Yukon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, read the full legislation
2. Yukon Residential Tenancies Office, official tenancy resources
3. Application to the Director form, download here (PDF)

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